“First published in 2016, Isabel Greenberg’s acclaimed graphic novel The One Hundred Nights of Hero quickly built a loyal fanbase for its sharp, feminist twist on The Arabian Nights. At its heart is the story of a married woman and her devoted maid, who wield the power of storytelling to outwit a husband’s sinister wager. Now, this beloved tale is leaping from page to screen with an all-star cast. The newly released teaser offers a tantalizing first glimpse into its richly woven, medieval folklore–inspired world—hinting at magic, mischief, and myth brought vividly to life.”
*“The trailer reveals a powerhouse cast at the heart of The One Hundred Nights of Hero. Leading the story are Deadpool & Wolverine’s Emma Corrin as the clever maid Hero, Longlegs star Maika Monroe as the wronged wife Cherry, and Masters of the Universe actor Nicholas Galitzine as the dangerously charming Manfred—the suitor determined to test Cherry’s resolve. They’re joined by a stellar supporting ensemble that includes Amir Al-Masry, pop icon Charli XCX, screen veteran Richard E. Grant, and Academy Award nominee Felicity Jones.
The official synopsis sets the stage: ‘When her neglectful husband departs after making a secret wager to test her fidelity, Cherry (Monroe) and her quick-thinking maid, Hero (Corrin), must rely on their wits and the power of storytelling to fend off a dangerously seductive intruder, Manfred (Galitzine).’ The adaptation promises a heady mix of folklore, dark humor, and feminist defiance, with each tale spun by Hero becoming both shield and weapon in the fight for Cherry’s survival.”**
There’s an almost Yorgos Lanthimos–esque flavor to the film’s aesthetic, with its curious mix of medieval setting, folkloric fantasy, and a distinctly modern, offbeat sense of humor. The first teaser leans heavily into this tonal balancing act, where the heightened period detail collides with sly, contemporary wit. The costume design is particularly striking—lush fabrics, exaggerated silhouettes, and a playfulness that borders on the surreal—helping cement the story in a world that feels both familiar and otherworldly.
What’s less clear from the teaser is whether the film will adopt the novel’s layered storytelling device, where Hero’s improvised tales weave defense, defiance, and desire all at once. Still, there are strong hints. Fleeting shots of Felicity Jones, ethereal in a long silver wig, and Charli XCX, plucking at a strange, otherworldly guitar, suggest that some of the teaser’s most surreal moments may come from Hero’s storytelling itself—tales that blur the line between myth and lived experience.
Written and directed by Julia Jackman, The One Hundred Nights of Hero promises to be more than just another book-to-film adaptation. It’s shaping up as a layered cinematic fable—part dark comedy, part feminist folklore, part romance—that both celebrates and critiques the stories we tell and the power they hold.
The film arrives in theaters on December 5, just in time to offer audiences a winter escape into a medieval dreamscape brimming with magic, wit, and danger.
And for fans of the broader pop culture landscape: while you wait, io9 has you covered with the latest updates on Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, the DC Universe, and even what’s next in the ever-expanding world of Doctor Who.